AC Milan and Italy great Franco Baresi has died at the age of 66, leaving behind one of the greatest legacies in football history.
The football world is in mourning following the death of AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi at the age of 66. Widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, Baresi leaves behind a legacy defined by loyalty, leadership and a revolutionary approach to defending.
AC Milan confirmed the heartbreaking news on Friday, paying tribute to the man who spent his entire professional career at the San Siro. “The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is,” the club said in a statement on X.
Baresi had faced health challenges in recent years. In 2025, Milan announced that he had undergone surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule before beginning recovery under the supervision of cancer specialists.
Despite those difficulties, he remained active within the club as honorary vice president and earlier this year carried the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Games alongside former Italy teammate Giuseppe Bergomi.
Sad news from Italy as Franco Baresi has passed away this morning at 66 years old.
An absolute legend of the game with AC Milan and Italy, marking an era for different generations.
Thoughts and prayers with the family and the friends.
Rest in peace, Franco. ❤️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/50UdFEV6II
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2026
The One-Club Legend Who Defined AC Milan
Baresi’s bond with AC Milan is one of the greatest examples of loyalty in football history. After making his senior debut in 1977, he remained with the Rossoneri for 20 years, winning six Serie A titles, three European Cups and captaining the club for 15 seasons before retiring in 1997.
His commitment never wavered, even during Milan’s difficult years. Baresi stayed with the club through two relegations to Serie B in the early 1980s and helped lead them back to the top flight on both occasions. In recognition of his extraordinary service, Milan retired his iconic number six shirt, making him the first player in the club’s history to receive that honor.
The Heart of Italy’s Golden Generation
On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy and was part of the squad that lifted the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Twelve years later, he captained the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final, producing one of the most courageous performances of his career by playing all 120 minutes against Brazil just 25 days after undergoing knee surgery.
Although Italy ultimately lost on penalties, Baresi’s determination and leadership became one of the defining images of the tournament and further cemented his place among football’s all-time greats.
Tributes Pour In From Across Football
Tributes have flooded in from across Italy and the wider football world following news of Baresi’s passing. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “not only one of the greatest champions in Italian sports history, but also an example of loyalty, seriousness and dedication.”
Rest in peace, Franco Baresi 🕊️
7-time Ballon d’Or nominee. Second place in 1989. Italian football legend.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/Oi0cBlwP1x
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) July 31, 2026
Former teammate Paolo Maldini paid an emotional tribute to the man he considered both a mentor and inspiration. “You protected me when I was a child, guided me as a young man, and inspired me as an adult. You were the greatest footballer I ever had the honor of playing with,” Maldini wrote.
Messages of condolence also arrived from Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma, Napoli and Real Madrid, while Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malagò praised Baresi’s lifelong loyalty to Milan, calling it a “romantic choice” that endeared him to generations of supporters.
He confirmed that Italy will honor one of its greatest-ever players during the national team’s upcoming matches, ensuring that Franco Baresi’s extraordinary legacy will never be forgotten.
